Elgin, IL vs Oak Lawn, IL

Elgin, IL and Oak Lawn, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.8% difference in their overall index. Elgin scores 95 while Oak Lawn scores 98 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month compared to $1,310/month in Oak Lawn — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elgin is more affordable at $252,400 median vs $267,900.

Median household income in Elgin is $88,316 compared to $82,493 in Oak Lawn (+7.1%). Elgin offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Elgin spend roughly 17.1% of their income on rent, less than the 19.1% in Oak Lawn.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.7°F vs 52.1°F). Oak Lawn receives more rainfall at 34.4" per year compared to 33.2" in Elgin.